Original article by: BUILDER Online
 

Home builders have begun pre-sales at Hunt Companies is rapidly developing The Colony, a 2,300-acre master-planned project in Bastrop, Texas developed by Hunt Companies, even though the model homes have yet to be completed, Hunt reports.

"Bastrop is beautiful and The Colony offers many amazing amenities to residents in a serene setting," said Rick Neff, senior VP of development for Hunt Communities, "But the home builders are the backbone of this development."

The Overlook amenity center and pool are underway in Riverside, the newest neighborhood of The Colony in Bastrop, Texas. Model homes are scheduled to open in late 2019 and early 2020.

The builder roster includes Sitterle Homes, Lennar, Buffington Homes, David Weekley Homes and Scott Felder Homes. Scott Felder Homes, Buffington Homes and David Weekley are the most recent additions, with 12 new homes underway and model homes scheduled to open in late 2019 and early 2020.

Several homes already pre-sold in Riverside, The Colony's newest neighborhood. A new pool and an amenity center called "The Overlook" are also underway in Riverside.

Even as Hunt focused on infrastructure development for the project on State Highway 71 and Stephen F. Austin Boulevard, the company was also scouring the region and country to find home builders with solid track records, Central Texas experience and commitment to quality. Furthermore, Hunt said, it relied on home builders with whom the company had previous relationships, supplying an even greater degree of trust. "People who buy here at The Colony are investing in their home and family's lifestyle," Neff said. "It's up to us at Hunt to find the builders that will make that investment worthwhile today and into the future."

Once home builders were selected, Hunt worked with them to ensure the homes' architecture and exterior facades resonated with The Colony's natural surroundings. These new neighborhoods feature gently rolling hills and piney woods, along with green pocket parks in every neighborhood. Neff said the willingness of home builders to create homes in concert with the natural setting is very important, pointing out that "we encourage builders to build a product that fits the Bastrop lifestyle.

"The people who come to see the homes range from families with small children to Austin and Houston commuters, single people interested in homeownership and empty-nesters seeking to downsize with style," Neff said. "Each of these groups has different housing needs, and the five builders working with us are known for offering variety, along with affordability."

Hunt pointed to the David Weekly offerings, which range from 1,396-3,081 sq. ft. and are priced from $245,000-$340,000. Meanwhile, Scott Felder offers homes priced from $260,000-$350,000 and ranging from 1,639-3,000+ sq. ft.

Neff said that brisk pre-sales in Riverside, even with the models not yet open, support the idea that, with its location, amenities and quality homes, The Colony appeals to a wide range of homeowners.

"What we are hearing is that people like it here because of proximity to the city and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport," he added. "They're impressed by the many housing choices available in a single, private community, all of which are a bargain when compared to similar locations in the Austin area."